Mel Gibson Settles "Passion of the Christ" Lawsuit

Screenwriter Benedict Fitzgerald sued Mel Gibson and several film companies involved with "The Passion of the Christ" for $10 million in February 2008, claiming that Gibson and others vastly understated the budget for the 2004 blockbuster, which went on to earn over $610 million.

The writer's suit claimed Gibson told him the budget for the movie would be in the $4 million to $7 million range, but that it was significantly higher ($30 million). Fitzgerald also claimed that Gibson told him he would not receive any money from the film, but considered it a gift of his faith.

His attorneys also claimed Gibson spent tens of thousands of dollars on his children's education while filming in Italy and paid a chiropractor $78,000. They contended those expenses lowered payments to Fitzgerald.

Attorneys for the actor and Academy Award-winning director contended that Gibson did not know the intricacies of the film's budget.

Now, a settlement has been reached and the June 3rd trial date has been cancelled.

Poor Fitzgerald, must have spend months, maybe years of his life coming up with that visceral tale of death and redemption. I can totally see how his original creative efforts are deserving of $10 million. Wanker.

Holy sh*t that was funny minkowski. I dig Gibson as a director but the guy is a good for a joke here and there. This is a product of greed, I think screenwriters should be given the same level of respect as a director, if not more than a director at times.